CES 2009: Shapeways features low cost 3D printing

Shapeways had their popular 3D designs and printer on display at the Showstoppers event on Thursday at CES.

The idea behind Shapeways is low cost 3D printing – Simply log onto the Shapeways website and upload your design. They’ll print it out and promise to have it to you within 10 business days.

Don’t have your own design in mind? Scroll through thousands of user submitted designs to get ideas or chat about it with fellow users in the Shapeways forum.

The price varies depending on the size of the object you want to create as well as the materials you choose to use. Material pricing per cubic centimetre: White Strong & Flexible, $1.87; Cream Robust, $2.50; Transparant Detail, $2.77; White Detail, $2.89 and Black Detail, $2.90.

The minimum order amount is $25 – Shapeways claim most design costs range from $50 – $150 but can get as low as $14.

Want to know more? Check out the Shapeways homepage. Interested in the technology behind the designs? Objet has several 3D printers on their website.